Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology
Offered through the Center for Diaconal Formation, our fully online Master of Arts in Theology equips permanent diaconate candidates with the theological depth and pastoral formation needed to serve as heralds of the Gospel. Graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles as ordained ministers within their parishes, dioceses, and the wider Church.
Rooted in the teaching of the Magisterium, the program delivers a rigorous and comprehensive theological education. Developed in partnership with sending dioceses, the curriculum is adaptable to meet specific diocesan guidelines and formation requirements.
This degree program aligns with the intellectual standards outlined in the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States, as established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. All courses adhere to high-quality academic standards, and the program is fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
Accreditation & Awards
"Being part of a Seminary allows us to collaborate with well-respected professors and instructors as well as to offer broad programming in many different areas that provides great value to the permanent diaconate."
Admissions Requirements
Permanent Diaconate Candidates who are interested in enrolling in the M.A. in Theology program at ICSST must receive the approval of their bishop to participate in online classes as part of a learning cohort.
The program is delivered in a collaboration with sending dioceses and can be customized based on diocesan needs and requirements.
Deadlines
Deadline to apply Rolling
International Students Welcome!
Seton Hall welcomes applications from international students for admission into full-time graduate degree programs.
Curriculum Overview
This 12-course, 36-credit graduate program integrates the student’s intellectual formation with the ministry of the deacon. The program offers courses exploring:
- Sacred Scripture
- Church History
- Moral Theology
- Systematic Theology
- Worship
Four additional courses cover the fields of homiletics, canon law, and spirituality and lead to a Certificate in Diaconal Studies. These specialized courses are taught in collaboration with the diocese and can be taken for credit or as non-credit-bearing courses.
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100%
Students Surveyed Say They are Prepared for Service to the Church
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100%
Students Surveyed Say Program is Academically Strong
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92%
Students Surveyed Feel Empowered for Ministry
Explore Theology in Inspiring Settings
ICSST is the major seminary for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, educating those preparing to dedicate their careers to the Church.
Career Opportunities
The M.A. in Theology prepares men who are working toward becoming permanent deacons to serve the Church and the broader community in many meaningful ways and to be heralds of the Gospel. With the benefits of their deep academic experience, deacons may bring God’s love by assisting with homilies, lead faith formation and religious education programs, offer spiritual direction, and support the pastoral and administrative work of their parish priests.
The program prepares deacons to assume leadership roles in diocesan offices, contributing to the development and implementation of pastoral initiatives. Beyond parish life, permanent deacons can apply what they’ve learned at the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology in their service as chaplains in hospitals, hospices, correctional facilities and the military.
Our graduates make an impact at world-class institutions.
Our Faculty and Students
ICSST Ranked No.1 for Highest Enrollment in Permanent Diaconate Formation Programs
The 4:12 Pathway Initiative Launches Collaboration with the Permanent Diaconate of New Orleans
Preparing to Serve the Church: A Celebration of Diaconal Candidates
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Seton Hall University is committed to providing students with the most current information on how to finance your graduate degree. A graduate degree is within your reach – a variety of options can help you finance your degree including scholarships, federal aid, graduate assistantships, and more.
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50%
Amount Scholarships Can Reduce Cost of Degree
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I access additional FAQs?
Additional Resources
Center for Diaconal Formation
Faculty
Theology Graduate Programs
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Office of Graduate Affairs
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About Seton Hall
One of the country's leading Catholic Universities, Seton Hall University has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856.
Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.
Seton Hall's 58-acre campus in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey. The Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in the owns of Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey, houses the University’s College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.
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1856
Founded by James Roosevelt Bayley
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14
Miles from New York City
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90+
Career-Building Graduate Programs
